Ouachita Forest managers consider rules for ATVs

(Hot Springs, Arkansas-AP) -- Managers of the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma and Arkansas are considering a ban on four-wheelers and dirt bikes.<br><br>They're seeking public comment on whether

Tuesday, September 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Hot Springs, Arkansas-AP) -- Managers of the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma and Arkansas are considering a ban on four-wheelers and dirt bikes.

They're seeking public comment on whether to restrict the use of off-road vehicles in the 1.8-million-acre forest.

Cheryl Chatham, a federal spokeswoman, says forest managers are considering whether to change the current policy on all-terrain and other off-highway vehicles.

For many years, the vehicles have been allowed on roads, wide hiking trails and the forest floor. Chatham says certain areas were off limits, such as acreage used for wildlife management or research.

Chatham says the vehicles have increased in the Ouachita while national forests in other states have closed their woods to them.